Most people have home contents insurance, but what happens when your entire worldly possessions are moved abroad? Are they insured in transit by the removal company or not?

The first vital ingredient in a good move is a really good removal company and many of them have as standard a certain amount of insurance cover built into the price of the move. Also most good removal companies should be able to offer extra insurance where needed for any valuable items not covered by the standard insurance they offer.

It goes without saying that if your removal company is insuring the goods themselves they will probably insist on packing them. In fact, even if you obtain your own removal insurance cover, the insurance company will probably insist that your goods are packed and moved by a professional remover for any policy to be valid whilst your goods are in transit.

Things you need to check on are whether liability is limited and if full cover is offered up to the full value of your goods. Also you need to know if there is a limit to a claim – in the event of the boat sinking with the entire contents of your home what exactly would they pay out? Some removal companies offer from £30,000 to £50,000 per vehicle – would that cover you for all your electrical equipment, those lovely antiques your grandmother left you etc? You may be able to increase the level of the normal standard insurance cover by paying extra – this needs to be discussed upfront. 

Here are a few thoughts on what you may need to ask about your insurance:

-  Does it cover international removals?

-  Do the goods need to be packed by the removal company or will they insure owner packed goods?

-  What do they pay out on professionally packed goods if lost or damaged in transit? And on owner packed goods?

-  Is the shipping of goods, marine cargo insurance and transit insurance for goods included in the insurance policy?

-  Is the transit or transport of property during emigration from the UK included?

-  Can you also insure your car when shipping overseas?

-  Is there storage insurance cover, both in the UK and on arrival in Greece?

If you are not satisfied with what the removal company is offering by way of insurance you may want to get a quote from your home insurance company, asking them the same questions as above. Perhaps the removal company could discount their charge if they offer inclusive insurance that you will not want to avail yourself of? Just a thought...

As you move, you will have so much to think about but you would be sensible not to forget this important aspect – it could be money wisely spent.

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